Get ready to redefine long-haul travel! Qantas is on the brink of revolutionizing air travel with its first Airbus A350-1000ULR, currently taking shape in Toulouse, France. But here's where it gets controversial: will this ultra-long-range aircraft truly deliver on the promise of 22-hour nonstop flights? Let’s dive into the details and explore what this means for the future of aviation.
Published just a day ago, the news has already sparked excitement among aviation enthusiasts and business strategists alike. Daniel, a New York-based contributor at Simple Flying, brings a sharp business perspective to the aviation world, analyzing how companies like Qantas strategize to stay ahead in the skies. Beyond strategy, Daniel’s passion for aircraft design and aviation history adds depth to his insights.
Qantas has officially announced that its first Airbus A350-1000ULR is under assembly at Airbus’s final production line in Toulouse. This aircraft is the cornerstone of Qantas’s ambitious Project Sunrise, a game-changing initiative to connect Australia’s East Coast to London and New York nonstop. These routes will surpass Singapore Airlines’ current record-holder for the world’s longest flight, the New York JFK to Singapore route. Qantas has ordered 12 of these ultra-long-range aircraft exclusively for Project Sunrise, alongside 12 standard A350-1000s.
The A350-1000ULR: A Marvel of Engineering
As of November 7, 2025, the aircraft (MSN 707) has had its airframe, wings, tail, and landing gear fully assembled. Later this week, it will move to a new hangar for engine and flight instrument installation. By 2026, it will undergo rigorous flight testing before receiving final approval. The A350-1000ULR boasts a new maximum takeoff weight of 322 tonnes and a groundbreaking 5,283-gallon (20,000-liter) rear fuel tank, paired with enhanced software. This design is likely inspired by the A350-900ULR, though the latter lacks a rear fuel tank and features a deactivated forward cargo hold—a detail yet to be confirmed for the A350-1000ULR.
Controversial Design Choices
Here’s the part most people miss: Qantas’s A350-1000ULR will have just 238 seats, the fewest of any A350-1000, to achieve the necessary range. But unlike Singapore Airlines’ A350-900ULRs, which offer only business and premium economy, Qantas is introducing a four-class layout. This includes a new first-class suite by Safran, featuring privacy doors and separate beds, alongside business, premium economy, and economy cabins. The economy section, with just 140 seats, will be paired with a ‘Wellbeing Zone’—a unique feature offering self-serve refreshments, stretching aids, and guided wellness videos. Is this the future of long-haul comfort, or an unnecessary luxury?
Project Sunrise: The Future of Ultra-Long-Haul Travel
Project Sunrise, in the works since 2017, will launch in 2027 with flagship routes like Sydney to London Heathrow, Melbourne to London, and both cities to New York. The A350-1000ULR will also replace the Boeing 787-9 on the Perth to London route. Qantas has hinted at expanding the network based on initial success, potentially adding more cities to this ultra-long-haul portfolio.
Thought-Provoking Questions
As Qantas prepares to redefine long-haul travel, we’re left with questions: Will the A350-1000ULR’s design sacrifices—fewer seats and added features—justify the cost? And how will passengers respond to 22-hour flights, even with enhanced comfort? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Project Sunrise will set a new standard, or is it a step too far?
